Houston Rockets: Ranking the top-five 2021 NBA draft prospects

Houston Rockets Draft Prospect #4: Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga skipped college in favor of playing for the G-League Ignite in the program’s maiden season. The results were mixed as incredible volume allowed him to average 15.8 points per game but on 38.7-percent shooting.

The G-League has far better competition than the NCAA and Kuminga won’t turn 20 until October of 2022. Holding your own against professionals when you’re the age of some high school seniors is no small feat.

What is working for Kuminga is that he looks like he was built in an NBA laboratory. He’s long, explosive, and has the type of frame that portends more strength without limiting mobility.

His dribbling is excellent for someone his size and he has the potential to be an impact, defensive player.  In the end, his ceiling will be determined by his jump shot and playmaking development.

His worst-case scenario is a jack of all trades master of none glue guy that makes his team better but doesn’t post eye-popping stats. The upside he possesses is tremendous and he could be a Kawhi Leonard type who focuses on defense early on as they develop their offensive game.

Kuminga is a lottery ticket as he has the physical ability to be the best player in this draft, but the team that drafts him will have to be patient and smart with his development.

Suggs is more of a sure thing, but Kuminga’s raw physical ability and age give him the highest ceiling of any of the top-five prospects. Even if Kuminga is never an above-average jump shooter he still has the ability to be an All-Star level contributor.

Next: Houston Rockets Draft Prospect #3